Norton begins V4 production
Norton Motorcycles has issued a flurry of information about its plans for the future, including a new version of its superbike, a multi-million-pound Government investment to develop electric bikes, buying a classic collection of Nortons, and the revamped 961 Commando twin.
The news comes following an announcement that Norton has received a £100 million investment from TVS, which gives stability and has enabled the brand to build state-of-the-art headquarters, introducing new engineering and quality control processes, create hundreds of jobs within its local community, and start building a talented design team. Two chief engineers will be ultimately responsible for ensuring each of the new Nortons meet their top specification requirements.
The re-engineered V4SV is now on sale, starting at a mere £44,000 – the first bike available to customers since the takeover by TVS Motor Company in April
2020. Norton will be prioritising customers who placed deposits before the company was acquired by the new owners. The sportsbike looks like the old company’s bike, but has the new company’s attention to detail. Much time and development has been spent on making it a significantly better machine, which will be produced at Norton’s new multi-million pound factory in Solihull – the first bike to roll off the new production line.
The re-engineered V4SV is available in two colours: Carbon and Manx Silver. The Manx Silver option has red and carbon pinstripes, a black front number board and red OZ Racing forged aluminium wheels. The Carbon option features exposed carbon fibre bodywork and carbon fibre BST wheels for reduced weight.
Both options feature carbon a fibre fuel tank and bodywork, a TIG-welded aluminium tube frame, handcrafted and polished, and a Union Jack on the tail of the motorcycle.
Each model is powered by the liquid-cooled 1200cc, 72-degree V4 engine, producing 185bhp at 12,500rpm and 92lb.ft of torque at 9000rpm.
Also fitted is a full-colour six-inch dash, quickshift and autoblipper system (whatever that is), multiple engine modes, LED lighting and a keyless ignition system.
“It is a hugely proud moment to announce that customers can now buy the re-engineered V4SV,” said Dr Robert Hentschel, CEO of Norton Motorcycles. “I would like to thank the Norton team, customers, and fans for their continued support for joining us on this journey in bringing Norton and V4SV to life.”
The 961 Commando
Norton is revamping the 961 Commando parallel twin for those looking for something a little more traditional. Norton says this will have “more presence and more excitement” and evoke “simpler times”.
Classic collection
This amazing reflection of Norton’s past, which spans from 1916 to 1992, boasts some of the rarest Norton bikes and sidecars ever produced, including models such as Model 1 ‘Big four’, founder James ‘Pa’ Norton’s favourite bike, and a rare speedway from 1930. A 1968 Norton Atlas Police motorcycle used for Royal Family escorts, which previously rode alongside The Queen, the Queen Mother, and the Prince of Wales, is another notable bike it has acquired.
The collection was from a single dedicated collector, Ian Loram, who amassed the unique collection since his first classic purchase in the late 1990s. A small selection of bikes will initially take pride of place in the reception area of the Norton headquarters in Solihull, and it is said fans should be able to see them in person later in the year.